It was so touching and perfect - but I really wish Nat hadn't died! Even though it was the only way to end it all (but I was secretly hoping Nat and Kitty would get together!)

Also Kitty's situation upset me - she gave her life as well really - as she's now an old lady and all alone!

I want Nat back - and Bartimaeus! I knew they would join together in this one - their relationship was just perfect - especially at the end when Bart was willing to die alongside him but Nat saved him. I knew they loved each other all along!

And loved Bart's bond with Kitty (him kissing her on the forehead was so cute) and Im sad we didn't get to see more of a development between the 3 of them, working together and see their trust growing.

Im all restless now. I always get like this after a good book - I cant settle to anything!

I think I went into mourning at the end of the series. It was very sad.

I think this is one of those books were you see the characters grow and challenge themselves to be better, and then when it ends the way it does you feel so sad. It's like they aren't really able to (truly) apply all that they learnt.

Interesting take on Kitty being old and alone. I never looked at things that way before.....that is indeed sad. I wonder if he ended it that way so that he won't be forced to continue the series? Even if he did write a prequel.

I ain't thirsty. There's plenty of fish in the sea, but I don't want all of them, can I have some standards? Or do we just have to settle, for someone's who meh and will do."

Generally - even though we love characters and want great stories to never end lol - I don't think its ever a good idea to carry on after a series/trilogy has ended.

And this one in particular ended so well. Yes on the growth of the characters - I just love that Nat does the right thing in the end and dies a hero. I especially love him finally showing his affection/love for Bartimaeus - first when he sent him back to the Other Place to recover and then at the end to Dismiss him.

I think it was pretty brave and unique of Stroud to make Nat, a main character, so progressively unlikeable (but I always enjoyed reading his sections of narrative). In contrast, Kitty at times was a little dull. Its interesting to me that in many ways, she was no better then him. They both had pre-conceived prejudices about commoners, magicians, and demons, which they both learn to look past. I was surprised at the end she chose not to help rebuild the government. That seemed wrong to me, just because they needed someone there who understood and cared about the treatment of everyone, especially demons.

I really want to read the prequel - but I also kind of don't! Bartimaeus without Nat!??!! Me dislike.

The 39 Clues are good. The Missing series is actually written by the author of Book 10, and I was really impressed by the author of Book 9 as well. They are better than Septimus Heap, meaning I am actually motivated to read past books 1 and 2. Some of the writers are a little iffy, but I think overall it's a really good effort.

It reminds me of Percy Jackson in some instances (it's more than just Riordan this time), granted they are both meant for the same age range. I think The 39 Clues can get a little bit darker at times, not in the "world is coming to an end if we don't save it," more the issues it looks at. I sometimes wish they had developed some of these issues more, but I can see how that would be too much for a young audience.

All that being said, I look forward to the release of Book 11

I ain't thirsty. There's plenty of fish in the sea, but I don't want all of them, can I have some standards? Or do we just have to settle, for someone's who meh and will do."

Yeah - the beginning part was a little slow - simply because it took a while for Bart's character to kick in I think. I also found Asmira a little dull - she got more interesting towards the end, but it took a while. In a way I wish we knew more about her, so you could come to care more for her character and her choices.

I kind of love how Bart gets so attached to humans lol - and will do his best to save them even if it means it puts himself in danger - despite his protests to the contrary. Bless him.